Last Updated: November 30, 2021
Best Views in Milan (Some are 360)
The world-class city of Milan in northern Italy’s Lombardy region shouldn’t be overlooked for spectacular views of its landmarks and architecture. While the rest of the country is filled with natural wonders, Italy’s wealthiest and most fashionable city is more of a diamond in the rough than a hidden gem.
Old-world charm combined with modern skyscrapers creates the perfect place for shopping, dining, entertainment, and sightseeing. You won’t find any hills to climb for Instagramable moments, but there are towers and terraces for sweeping vistas and on-the-ground spots for sunsets and people watching. Here are some of the best views in Milan.
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The Duomo di Milano Rooftop Terrace
Dubbed “Il Duomo” by the Milanese, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Nascente is the city’s most recognized landmark as you will see by the throngs of visitors that surround it daily. With a capacity of up to 40,000 people, the massive cathedral is one of the world’s largest and most impressive places of worship.
The building of the cathedral began in the 14th century, but it wasn’t until the early 1800s (under Napoleon’s rule) that the facade was completed. From the piazza in front, the view features stained glass windows, elaborate spires, and intricate latticework.
After admiring its fascinating architecture, visitors can climb to the rooftop terrace for sweeping views of the old historic part of the city and the new skyscrapers and modern architecture. On clear days, you may even spy the snow-capped Alps.
Palazzo Lombardia
A behemoth building of glass and steel, the Palazzo Lombardia is adjacent to the Gioia underground stop houses regional government offices. Because of this, it’s only open to the public for special openings. These events usually take place on the last Sunday of each month. At this time, visitors are allowed to go to the viewpoint on the 39th floor for free. The wait is worth it since
at 161 meters tall, it’s Milan’s highest viewpoint and one of the best.
With a bird’s eye view of the entire city, you can spot several famous landmarks such as the Duomo, Arco della Pace, Castello Sforzesco, and more. And on a clear day, the Alps may appear when looking north.
Grattacielo Pirelli
Image courtesy of Flickr
Like the Palazzo Lombardia, the Grattacielo Pirelli house offices and can only be accessed during periodic openings. The viewing platform is located on the 31st floor. There is no charge for admission during these scheduled events.
At 127 meters high, the Grattacielo Pirelli was Milan’s tallest building before the Porta Nuova skyscrapers and the Palazzo Lombardia were built.
At the viewing platform, you’ll get views over Stazione Centrale, the city’s main railway station. On the other side, you’ll see the Porta Nuova high rises.
Rooftop Bars and Restaurants
Somewhat a local secret, Creso 7 Pools & Restaurant is located on top of the Enel office building. Enjoy American-style cocktails and contemporary Italian eats along with a panoramic view of urban Milan. With advance reservations and a fee, you can swim or lounge around one of the two pools. The cabanas next to the pool attract a fashionable crowd for aperitivo (cocktails and finger foods.) The restaurant serves dinner in the evening.
The luxurious Boscolo Hotel has an elegant rooftop terrace with cozy sofas and views of the Duomo spires. It’s a magical spot to have drinks and appetizers after dark when the spires are illuminated.
The Terrazza 12 Bar is located on the 10th floor of the Brian&Barry Building. The lounge has an excellent cocktail and the huge windows afford views of the city and an up-close look at the Duomo roof.
Milan Observation Decks
Image courtesy of Flickr
The city has several public observation decks that offer stunning views for free.
The 416 foot tall Pirelli Tower, originally built as headquarters for the Pirelli tire company, has an observation platform on the 31st floor. The offices are no longer there, but the Milanese still call the tower the Pirellone.
The Torre Velasca building is somewhat of an eyesore in the city, but the observation deck is popular with travelers for a free view of the city’s skyline with the Duomo in the background.
The Torre Branca is another rather unsightly building that offers an incredible 360-degree view of the city. Visitors can ride the elevator to the top for a small fee. The tower is located in Parco Sempione (Sempione Park.)
Corso Como Terrace
A well-kept secret among the locals, the Corso Como Terrace is part of an upscale fashion store in the Corso Como building. The building is located at the end of a lovely ivy-covered courtyard. Browse the store for some high-end shopping or eye candy and then head to the book store on the left and climb the stairs leading to the art gallery. Signs will direct you to the Terrazza where you’ll find a rooftop lounge with tables and chairs for a city view that is completely free.
Hotel Cavalieri Terrace
As one would expect, a large city like Milan has dozens of hotels with awesome terrace views. Unfortunately, many of them are only available to guests staying at the hotel.
Luckily, the Hotel Cavalieri Terrace, has a terrace open to the public for sunset drinks and city views over rooftops and the Torre Velasca, a skyscraper built in the 1950s featuring unique Brutalist architecture. The terrace is shared by the Hotel Cavalieri and The Square Milano Duomo Hotel.
Museo del Novecento & Restaurant
Image courtesy of Wikimedia
Visit the Museo del Novecento, a museum featuring 20th-century art before or after dinner at the Ristorante Giacomo Arengario, an elegant rooftop restaurant in the same building. View the collection and temporary displays and then dine while admiring the views.
The amazing upstairs lounge has cushy designer chairs where you can enjoy views of the Duomo di Milano, Piazza del Duomo, and Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle.
Terrazza Triennale
End a day of sightseeing in Milan with one of the city’s best sunset views. Another secret hangout for locals, the Terrazza Triennale is atop the Triennale building in the heart of Parco Sempione. Built during Fascist times, the building also houses the Design Museum featuring temporary and permanent displays.
The cocktail bar on the top floor is the perfect place to unwind with a signature cocktail and aperitivo foods included in the price of drinks. In addition to a stunning sunset, you’ll have incredible views over the Parco Sempione and Castello Sforzesco.
Image courtesy of Flickr
You’re sure to get fantastic photo shots from the ground along the Navigli Canals. Construction of Milan’s canal system began in the 12th century and was halted in favor of land transportation in the form of trains and automobiles. They remained in disrepair until two of them, Navigli Pavese and Naviglio, were renovated and revived over the last two decades. Now the area is a popular place for strolling, shopping, and aperitivo.
The view over the canals is especially striking with the last of the evening sunset reflecting off the water. After dark, the canal-side cafes and music clubs provide a lively night out.
If you’re visiting Milan in April, the neighborhood along the canal overflows with beautiful flowers in celebration of the Festa Di Fiori (Flower Festival). In mid-June, the barges are delightfully decorated for the Sagra di San Cristoforo (Festival of Saint Christopher.)
Highline Galleria
Open since 2015, the Highline Galleria is a framework of metal walkways that allows visitors to walk over the rooftops of the Galleria. One of the oldest shopping malls in the world and an iconic symbol of Milan, the Galleria was designed and completed in 1877 by Giuseppe Mengoni between 1961 and 1877.
Two lifts ascend to the upper spaces and across a terrace. Here you’ll have views of the city’s unique rooftops, the skyline, and the spires of the Duomo. An external lift in the courtyard takes you back down to exit via Silvio Pelico.
Parco Sempione & Arco della Pace
Milan’s greenspace Parco Sempione is the perfect place to relax and people-watch. On the Castello Sforzesco end of the park, you’ll have an excellent view of the stunning Arco della Pace (the Arch of Peace.) The Arch was first intended to be an Arch of Triumph to celebrate the crowning of Napoleon as the King of Italy. The project was abandoned after the fall of Napoleon and wasn’t completed until 1838. The 82-foot high structure topped with bronze statues is a must-see while in Milan.
The park has bars and restaurants for drinking and dining.
Bosco Verticale
Located around the corner from the Porta Nuova business district, the Bosco Verticale are two residential towers known as the “Vertical Forest.” The buildings are covered in trees and plants making them an excellent Instagram snap, especially in the summer when the trees are green and in the fall when the leaves change color.
In all, the buildings are covered with 800 trees, 4,500 shrubs, and more than 15,000 plants. Designed by architect Stefano Boeri, the greenery protects against noise, helps the building keep consistent temperatures, and provides a habitat for birds and insects. After you see the towers, it’s a short walk to the 10 Corso Como fashion mecca.
About the Author Anna Timbrook
Anna is the co-owner of expert world travel and can't wait to share her travel experience with the world. With over 54 countries under her belt she has a lot to write about! Including those insane encounters with black bears in Canada.
